Developing nations talks begin today

Today marks the first day of a three-day conference at Kansas University that delves into the role business plays in helping the development of failed nations.

The conference, "Helping Failed States Recover: The Role of Business in Promoting Stability and Development," is an effort by KU's Center for International Business Education.

It starts with a keynote address by former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker at 6:30 p.m. today at the Adams Alumni Center and continues through mid-Friday with more than a dozen speakers from around the world slated to participate.

KU lecturer Lynn Ground, a retired World Bank official, is organizing the event. He said there has been a lack of attention paid to "the potentially powerful role of the market, entrepreneurs and business in preventing conflict and contributing to sustainable peace."